Cab mows down hockey player on way to practice in Bangalore

A 21-year-old promising hockey player, Somanna Bayabanda, on Tuesday succumbed to injuries he had suffered in a hit-and-run accident that took place on Thursday last.

Somanna was on his way to practise when the bike on which he was riding pillion was hit by a cab, which sped away, at the intersection of Lady Curzon Road and Infantry Road, near Bowring and Curzon Hospital at 4.30 am on Thursday.

The bike was moving towards Infantry Road, while the cab came from Infantry Road and hit them head-on. Somanna suffered serious head injuries, while his friend, Tarun, who was riding the bike, sustained injuries in his leg.

A final year BCom student of St Joseph’s College of Commerce on Brigade Road, Somanna played for Rainbow Hockey Club in the state C division league and was the team’s goalkeeper.

Tarun was rushed to Bowring Hospital where he was treated as out-patient. Somanna was admitted to Manipal Hospital. Police said that he failed to respond to treatment and succumbed to his injuries around 3.30 am on Tuesday.

A resident of Adugodi, Somanna hailed from Kodagu district which has given many a star to Indian hockey. He was staying with his brother, who is working in a private firm in the city.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Somanna and Tarun had gone to help a friend shift house in Vidyaranyapura on Wednesday. Early on Thursday, they decided to return to Adugodi as Somanna had to attend a practice session. After having tea in Shivajinagar, they left for Adugodi when the accident occurred.

The post-mortem examination was conducted at Bowring Hospital on Tuesday morning and the body was handed over to his family members. Shivajinagar traffic police have registered a case and are investigating.

“We have definite clues about the car and the driver who was allegedly responsible for the fatal accident. We will arrest him very soon,” the officer added.